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District of Columbia gets EPA grant to control storm water runoff

Release Date: 7/28/2003
Contact Information: Roy Seneca 215-814-5567

Contact: Roy Seneca 215-814-5567
PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $1.5 million grant to help control pollution from storm water runoff in the District of Columbia.

The grant, which goes to the D.C. Department of Health’s non-point source program, will be combined with about $1 million in local funds to support several water protection projects.

“EPA is pleased to be a partner in the district’s aggressive approach to cleaning up waterways in and around our nation’s capitol. This funding supports projects that are vital to protect and improve water quality for drinking water, recreational activities and to preserve the natural habitat, ” said Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.

Storm water pollution – sometimes called non-point source pollution – is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over or through the ground and carrying natural or human-made pollutants into lakes, streams, rivers, oceans and other water bodies.

Specific work will focus on priority sections of the Anacostia River, including Popes Branch and Watts Branch. Measurable results are identified and being tracked to help ensure project success.

Some of the projects supported with the funding include designing and installing low impact development projects to control storm water runoff in urban areas, and conducting stream restoration work on waterways that have been damaged by runoff.

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